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Wednesday, 12 March 2014

When it comes to shopping, I go through cycles with plenty of dips and rises. There are periods where I'm repelled by all things fashion, probably brought on by hundreds of mailers sent to my inbox every single day with one main message - BUY, BUY, BUY. The shopping drought soon passed followed by a lightbulb moment when I realized that there are gaps in my wardrobe. Like these:

The Striped T-shirt
My jersey Petit Bateau breton tops are too thick to be worn under well fitted jackets. The higher neckline makes me look like I've got an extra chin or two flapping under my jaw. I'm rather taken with this 100% linen striped tee from Isabel Marant Etoile. The material's breathable. Thin but not sheer and perfect for layering. I own several Isabel Marant Etoile linen t-shirts and have been very pleased with the quality. They wash well and have become softer with age.

Monica Vinader Riva bracelet
I know the stacked arm look is very in but seriously, I can't deal with the clanking noise every time I move. I've done that once and felt like I'm playing the cymbals in an orchestra. I've got the slightly more delicate and feminine Riva bracelet from Monica Vinader on my wish list for a few months now. It's classy and affordable.

Isabel Marant Etoile Kiana sweat pants
I'm always on a lookout for slim cut black sweat pants (like the Kiana from Isabel Marant Etoile) that do not look like sweat pants so that I can pair them with smarter tops without people realizing that I'm actually wearing.......sweatpants. (yes, a sweatpants addict's rather convoluted explanation) I've learned to avoid 100% cotton sweat pants because the heat from your body will make the fabric expand. Perfect if you want to channel M. C Hammer.

Pretty Loafers
I stopped by Pretty Ballerinas' cramped boutique in Mayfair and was suitably impressed by their loafers (their other line called Pretty Loafers). Apparently, they're all made in Spain. I was surprised to find out that they do, in fact, run small. I normally wear a EU 34 (medium width) and had to go up 2 sizes (size 36) because my feet were slightly swollen in the late afternoon.

Balenciaga wrap around bracelet
I'm a fan of Hermes bracelets but their prices are prohibitive (2-3 times the price of a Balenciaga) particularly when we're talking about a strip of leather (!). This one's edgy but not overly blinged out.

Balenciaga Giant Hip Bag
Thanks to my friend, Lauraloo, I've been rather obsessed with the Balenciaga Giant Hip bag. It doubles as a clutch and cross body bag. In the world of overinflated designer goods, this one is priced just under £500 (for those of you who live outside of Europe. You lucky thing. You get the 20% VAT knocked off the price) which makes it more affordable than most of the other premium designer brands out there. It's great for schlepping around when I don't want to lug around my usual junk.

Aquazzura Belgravia Flats
Yes, I'm still obsessed with them. They're cool, bada$$ - WILL YOU LOOK AT ME type of flats. I only wish they're not so crazy expensive.

J.Crew Camo Sweatshirt
My US shopping buddy, Lauraloo insisted I MUST have it after trying it on at the store. It's on its way to me now. Thank you, Lauraloo! I've got the leopard print from Isabel Marant and a camo is a great eye catching print that's still easy to mix and match with. I hope that this sweatshirt, sweatpants, sneaker trend stays forever and ever. Amen.

Oh, this list comes right out of my head! You will LOVE the sweatshirt - so soft. Amen also to the sportswear trend. That's nice to know about Etoile tees. I've never the plunge, except for the cute red vintage look runner tank I stole for a song!The Giant Hip is the perfect bag that sits between your WOC and your Kelly. I just wore mine to a concert and it was large enough to hold my things while small enough not to get in the way.

All wonderful choices Marlene! I would love having any of those pieces myself. I haven't been able to get the leopard print slipper out of my mind for seasons now and it looks like the trend has staying power. That one looks like a great affordable alternative. May be time to invest in some.

ITA about Balenciaga bracelets being cool and (cough) affordable in comparable to Hermes. :) Givenchy is another brand with great leather wraps. The Obsedia is very cool IMO - esp in snakeskin. Another Want I can't let go of.

And how cool is that camo print J Crew? Laura can really pick them! Hmmmm..........(thinking)

Mmm, very nice. Did you buy the sweatpants? I have learned how to not pay Matches delivery charge. If you order through a store, then they ship it for you and no delivery charge. I recently ordered something through the Marylebone store and they were extremely helpful.

I'll have to check out those loafers - don't need another pair of shoes but I find it really hard to find loafers that fit well and when a perfect pair comes along. Another item to add to my list of things to check out in London when I get there!

I was pretty impressed with Pretty Loafers especially at that price point. There are many that are 2-3 times the price (well out of my budget). I would love to get one with tassels but they hardly ever have a pair in my size. When are you coming to London?

I've bought Petit Bateau bretons for years and years now. Go at least 1-2 sizes up because they run very very small. I like mine a little loose. They last for ages. My daughter wore Petit Bateau clothes and then they were passed down to a niece, followed by another niece and then a friend's daughter.